Gardening, often seen as a therapeutic and rejuvenating hobby, has found its way onto the big screen in various forms. Films about gardening explore themes of growth, renewal, and the nurturing human connection with the earth. These stories range from fictional narratives centered around the transformational power of gardening to documentaries that delve into the lives of passionate gardeners and the impact of gardening on communities and the environment. Below is a selection of films that beautifully capture the essence of gardening, each offering a unique perspective on this timeless activity.
“Greenfingers”, 2000
Director: Joel Hershman
Based on a true story, this British comedy-drama follows a group of prison inmates who discover a newfound purpose and redemption through gardening, eventually participating in the prestigious Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
Starring: Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Warren Clarke, Danny Dyer, Adam Fogerty, Paterson Joseph, Natasha Little, Peter Guinness, Lucy Punch;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Greenfingers” on the website imdb.com
“The Secret Garden”, 2020
Director: Marc Munden
Adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel, this film tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young orphan girl who uncovers a neglected garden at her uncle's large and lonely estate. As she brings the garden back to life, she also heals her grieving uncle and ailing cousin.
Starring: Dixie Egerickx, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Edan Hayhurst, Amir Wilson, Isis Davis, Maeve Dermody, Richard Hansell, David Verrey, Tommy Gene Surridge;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: fantasy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
“A Little Chaos”, 2014
Director: Alan Rickman
Set in the 17th century, this period drama stars Kate Winslet as a talented landscape designer who is commissioned to build one of the main gardens at King Louis XIV's new palace at Versailles. Amidst the backdrop of the court's intrigue, she finds herself drawn to the king's renowned landscape architect, André Le Nôtre.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, Thomas Allam, Hope Hancock, Isabella Steinbarth, Hal Hewetson, Carolina Valdés, Eleanor Montgomery;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
“Saving Grace”, 1999
Director: Nigel Cole
This British comedy revolves around Grace, a recently widowed woman who discovers her deceased husband has left her in considerable debt. To solve her financial woes, she starts growing marijuana in her greenhouse, with her gardening skills surprising both her and the drug market.
Starring: Brenda Blethyn, Craig Ferguson, Martin Clunes, Tchéky Karyo, Jamie Foreman, Bill Bailey, Valerie Edmond, Tristan Sturrock, Clive Merrison, Leslie Phillips;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Saving Grace” on the website imdb.com
“The Gardener”, 1998
Director: James D.R. Hickox
A documentary that explores the bond between humans and gardens, centered around Frank Cabot's Les Quatre Vents, his 20-acre English style garden in Charlevoix County, Quebec. The film showcases Cabot’s personal quest in creating one of the world's most magnificent gardens.
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Angie Everhart, Richard Grieco, Olivia Hussey, Kelly Nelson, Sarah Peterson, Kim Morgan Greene, Roger Clinton, Justin Carroll, Andrew Heckler;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: horror;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 3,7;
More information about the film “The Gardener” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their way, celebrate the art and soul of gardening, offering viewers stories of transformation, beauty, and connection to the natural world.
In conclusion, films about gardening go far beyond mere presentations of horticultural practices; they are a rich, fertile ground where stories of growth, renewal, and the cycles of life are sown. Through the lens of gardening, filmmakers have been able to explore complex themes such as the nurturing of relationships, personal healing, and environmental conservation. These films resonate with viewers, offering lush visuals, engaging narratives, and the universal truth that, much like the plants within a garden, human beings thrive with care, patience, and a connection to their environment. As we reflect on this diverse and captivating selection, it becomes evident that gardening is not just a backdrop or a hobby, but a powerful metaphor for life itself, making these films enduring and significant in the cannon of cinematic achievements.
